Barton Plant Explosion -- Valley Center, Kansas
The Barton Solvents Plant in Valley Center, Kansas was the site of a massive plant explosion and fire on July 17, 2007. The first explosion at the plant occurred at 9:15 a.m. and resulted in a massive fire. Witnesses said that smoke and flames billowed more than 200 feet into the air, and at least 15 smaller explosions were heard. Authorities said that 36 storage tanks containing about 660,000 pounds of chemicals burned during the fire. The tanks contained hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohol. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. The plant is owned by Barton Solvents, a Des Moines, Iowa distributor of industrial chemicals, oils, surfactants, and plasticizers.
Valley Center, a suburb of Witchita with a population of 5,000, was most affected by the explosion. There was little firefighters could do about the fire at the Barton plant, other than keeping it from spreading to nearby buildings. Ten people were admitted to Wichita-area hospitals, and the catastrophe resulted in the evacuation of a 2-mile area around the plant. About 200 people sought refuge in the Kansas Coliseum, 10 miles away. Though the evacuation order was later lifted, people who had left their homes were not allowed to return immediately. Those still in Valley Center were told to stay on the ground floors of their homes and to refrain from using their air conditioners Residents who lived within a mile downwind or a half mile upwind were advised to stay away from their homes.
Parker Waichman Alonso LLP provides a free initial legal consultation for victims of the Barton Solvents plant explosion. The firm only gets paid if you win compensation. Contact Parker Waichman Alonso LLP today to explore the legal remedies available to you. Fill out our form to the left, or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a lawyer at our firm.